More DWP wisdom! How is this defendable?

Wasteofspace

I have been unemployed three years pretty much. Recently I was given access to 'work trials' and the '£1000 back to work subsidy' to [STRIKE]help me back to work[/STRIKE] bribe my way into work.

Today I was offered two weeks work, let me remind you (for the benefit of OlderNotWiser) that would be ME EARNING MONEY for two weeks instead of getting JSA, me GAINING EXPERIENCE and give me something RECENT FOR MY CV, and may well lead to FURTHER WORK within the company.

All sounds great right? but then this is Britain!

I was told that if I take the TWO WEEKS of work I would loose the option of work trials, I'd loose the back to work subsidy, and I would have to be unemployed six months before I could get them back.

In effect this means that someone who has been long term unemployed has to CONSIDER an offer off employment instead of just saying YES!

How is nonsense like this defendable? this is just one of many MANY illogical procedures JCP has.

I went to my MPs office (I had spoke to him last weekend about employment) and his assistant called the job centre and got them to agree (at their discretion) that I could retain my long term unemployed status should the job only last the intended two weeks.

Really though? Should people be put though nonsense like this? The DWP needs a compete rethink! Nothing about it makes any sense!

Oldernotwiser

Wasteofspace wrote: »

Today I was offered two weeks work, let me remind you (for the benefit of OlderNotWiser) that would be ME EARNING MONEY for two weeks

Why drag me into it?

Wildside

Wasteofspace wrote: »

I have been unemployed three years pretty much. Recently I was given access to 'work trials' and the '£1000 back to work subsidy' to [STRIKE]help me back to work[/STRIKE] bribe my way into work.

Today I was offered two weeks work, let me remind you (for the benefit of OlderNotWiser) that would be ME EARNING MONEY for two weeks instead of getting JSA, me GAINING EXPERIENCE and give me something RECENT FOR MY CV, and may well lead to FURTHER WORK within the company.

All sounds great right? but then this is Britain!

I was told that if I take the TWO WEEKS of work I would loose the option of work trials, I'd loose the back to work subsidy, and I would have to be unemployed six months before I could get them back.

In effect this means that someone who has been long term unemployed has to CONSIDER an offer off employment instead of just saying YES!

How is nonsense like this defendable? this is just one of many MANY illogical procedures JCP has.

I went to my MPs office (I had spoke to him last weekend about employment) and his assistant called the job centre and got them to agree (at their discretion) that I could retain my long term unemployed status should the job only last the intended two weeks.

Really though? Should people be put though nonsense like this? The DWP needs a compete rethink! Nothing about it makes any sense!

Does sound like a stupid rule that is only going to put people off taking a short term job or temping that could even lead to longer term employment.
Good on your MP (or his PA) for sorting this out for you.:)

cit_k

So the DWP can completely ignore legislation at their discretion? !!!!!!????

Vader123

Wasteofspace wrote: »

I have been unemployed three years pretty much. Recently I was given access to 'work trials' and the '£1000 back to work subsidy' to [STRIKE]help me back to work[/STRIKE] bribe my way into work.

Today I was offered two weeks work, let me remind you (for the benefit of OlderNotWiser) that would be ME EARNING MONEY for two weeks instead of getting JSA, me GAINING EXPERIENCE and give me something RECENT FOR MY CV, and may well lead to FURTHER WORK within the company.

All sounds great right? but then this is Britain!

I was told that if I take the TWO WEEKS of work I would loose the option of work trials, I'd loose the back to work subsidy, and I would have to be unemployed six months before I could get them back.

In effect this means that someone who has been long term unemployed has to CONSIDER an offer off employment instead of just saying YES!

How is nonsense like this defendable? this is just one of many MANY illogical procedures JCP has.

I went to my MPs office (I had spoke to him last weekend about employment) and his assistant called the job centre and got them to agree (at their discretion) that I could retain my long term unemployed status should the job only last the intended two weeks.

Really though? Should people be put though nonsense like this? The DWP needs a compete rethink! Nothing about it makes any sense!

Perhaps if you put as much effort into finding a job instead rallying against the DWP and speaking to your MP, you might find a job.

Vader

dotty74

You have been given incorrect information anyway - with only a 2 week break in your claim you would go straight back to Stage 3 (and be entitled to the back to work subsidy etc) when you make your new claim.

busy_mom_2

If you are on stage 3 now, resign within 4 weeks and you go back to stage 3. The 'bribe' as you call it is for the employer, not you. Employers state by taking a long term unemployed person it can cost them more as they require more training and supervision hence why they can claim the £1000, £500 up front then the balance after 26 weeks employment.
Work trials are also eligble from day 1 of a claim so exactly what is your point?
If you consider it to be a bribe no-one is forcing you to tell an employer you are eligble for the scheme. People moan the jobcentre offer them no help, then moan when we do!!!:(

glossgal

what a charmer, I'm amazed you have been unsuccessful getting work, but then recession does terrible things to good people

Wasteofspace

busy_mom wrote: »

People moan the jobcentre offer them no help, then moan when we do!!!:(

When I was first unemployed I asked four times about work trials, eventually I was told 'off the record' that people were only put on them if they were guaranteed the job anyway. Pointless! It is only recently they have changed their tune and told me I should ask for them.

Funnily enough they told me I should take this two week job on as part of a work trial, despite the fact there is no job at the end of it! That's quite a turnaround!

The Job Centre has been by far a bigger hindrance than a help, and when I say they have done next to nothing to help me find employment I am being very kind indeed.

glossgal wrote: »

what a charmer, I'm amazed you have been unsuccessful getting work, but then recession does terrible things to good people

Do I know you? Do you know me? Exactly.

Vader123

Wasteofspace wrote: »

Do I know you? Do you know me? Exactly.

If your dealings with employers and the JC are just 10% of what you are like on here, I can see why you are unemployed.

Your rude, think people owe you a living and let me guess, its everyone elses fault you are long-term unemployed, especially the JC.

Why don't you try and put some of this energy into actually finding a job.

Vader

busy_mom_2

It is not the jobcentre job to find you employment, thats why you are paid JSA.
The jobcentre is there to ensure you have satisfied the criteria to claim JSA and paid benefit if you are entitled. They will assist you to seek work, offer help to those who need it.

As for the work trial, of course there should be a garanteed job at the end, the idea of the trial is to show the employer you are the right person who has the necessary skills for the job they have advertied. If you did a work trial agreed by the jobcentre and at the end the employer turned round and said' sorry we have no job' you would be blaming us that you had gone through all that for nothing.
The criteria for work trials did change, they are now eligble from day one of the claim, this hasn't always been the case hense the different advice you were given.
What exactly do you expect? you sit there why we find you a job, do the interview for you and then congratulate you on finally getting a job:D

Putting it blunt do you have that signing in name for a reason wasteofspace?